NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK (WGNO) – Going into Tuesday’s board meeting for City Park, opponents of the new professional golf course knew they could do little more than complain.

“I realize all this is too late,” one man said.

The park’s board already approved a master plan last year, and construction on the new golf course is already underway. But the crowd still hoped to let the board know that they feel the golf course will take away green space from the park. They also feel the new golf course will serve far fewer people than the green space that’s being cleared for it now.

“Golf courses are the second worst land use that could possibly be used in an urban environment, second to grave yards,” another opponent told the board.

But board members made it clear that with the new course, the total number of golf courses at City Park will be two. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, that number was four. Also, they say, the park needs the golf courses to provide revenue because the park does not receive any dedicated tax funds.

Supporters of the golf course insist it will be an asset to the city and will perhaps attract a PGA golf tournament in the future. They also say that the golf course will provide new opportunities and programs to educate young people.

“It’s helping a lot of different individuals that aren’t necessarily elites to help them learn something new, something they haven’t had a chance to do,” one supporter said.

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